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India’s Non-Major Ports Report Impressive Increases in Cargo Volumes – Need for increasing involvement of Locals

Maritime News India, October 18, 2024 – Non-major ports across India have demonstrated notable growth in cargo handling for September 2024, according to the latest report from the State Maritime Boards and Directorates of Ports. The total cargo handled reached 62.26 million tonnes (MMT), marking a 10.06% increase compared to September 2023.

The data, derived from the Port Data Management Portal of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reveals a strong performance in both overseas and coastal cargo. Overseas cargo surged to 50.51 MMT, representing 81.14% of the total, while coastal cargo contributed 11.74 MMT or 18.86%.

Year-to-Date Performance

From April to September 2024, non-major ports handled 363.93 MMT of cargo, up 3.97% from the same period in the previous year. This includes an increase of 5.47% in overseas cargo, which accounted for 299.06 MMT. However, coastal cargo experienced a slight decline of 2.41%, totaling 64.86 MMT.

Regional Highlights

Gujarat emerged as the standout performer, handling a remarkable 42.81 MMT in September alone, which constitutes 68.75% of the total cargo handled by non-major ports. Other states, including Andhra Pradesh (7.30 MMT) and Mumbai (6.02 MMT), also contributed significantly, while a collective of smaller states managed only 1.14 MMT.

Commodity Breakdown

In September, petroleum and crude products dominated cargo handling, making up 30.40% of total volume with a 19.33% growth. Containers also saw robust performance with a 25.91% growth, accounting for 21.26% of total cargo. Notably, foodgrains experienced an astonishing growth of 3387.27%, while coal and iron ore faced negative growth.

Looking Ahead

As the maritime sector continues to rebound, the sustained growth in cargo handling at non-major ports indicates a positive trajectory for India’s trade and economic activities. With Gujarat leading the charge, the focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and capacity to accommodate increasing cargo demands in the coming months.

For further details and ongoing updates, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ communications.

Actions Required

To increase the capacity and business of non-major ports while ensuring local benefits, both government bodies and local stakeholders can implement targeted strategies. Here’s a breakdown of actionable steps:

Government Actions

  1. Local Infrastructure Development:
    • Invest in connecting local roads, railways, and other transport networks to ports, ensuring easy access for local businesses and communities.
    • Upgrade utilities and services (water, power, telecommunications) in port areas to support business growth.
  2. Policy Support for Local Businesses:
    • Create policies that prioritize local businesses in port operations, such as bidding for contracts and providing logistics services.
    • Facilitate access to subsidies or grants for local enterprises involved in port-related activities.
  3. Community Engagement:
    • Involve local communities in decision-making processes related to port development to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.
    • Organize public forums and consultations to gather input from local stakeholders.
  4. Promotion of Coastal Trade:
    • Encourage local industries to use non-major ports for shipping goods, providing incentives for those who do so.
    • Establish trade agreements that promote the export of local products through these ports.
  5. Training and Skill Development Programs:
    • Develop training initiatives for local residents to enhance skills in logistics, maritime operations, and other port-related fields.

Local Stakeholder Actions

  1. Business Collaboration:
    • Local businesses should form cooperatives or alliances to collectively approach port authorities for better terms and services.
    • Collaborate with logistics providers to streamline supply chains and reduce costs.
  2. Community Investment:
    • Local stakeholders can invest in small businesses that support port activities, such as transport services, warehousing, and maintenance.
  3. Advocacy for Local Interests:
    • Engage with local government and port authorities to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit the community.
  4. Environmental Stewardship:
    • Promote sustainable practices among local businesses to minimize environmental impacts, ensuring the community’s long-term health and economic viability.
  5. Utilization of Local Resources:
    • Encourage local industries to source materials and services from within the community, boosting local employment and economic activity.

By implementing these strategies, local stakeholders and the government can work together to enhance the capacity and business of non-major ports, ensuring that the growth of these facilities translates into tangible benefits for the local community. This collaborative approach fosters economic development, job creation, and sustainable practices, ultimately leading to a more resilient local economy.

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